Last week I shared a recipe with you for black bean pasta with chorizo & peppers. Turns out this black bean pasta gem that I picked up on a weekend when I was visiting my parents is pretty hard to track down, but a lot of you were interested in where you could find it. Also turns out that is is very tasty and incredibly healthy. Why must you be so hard to find?!

The Black Bean variety has one ingredient: black beans. It also has a ridiculous amount of protein (20.5 grams per serving) and is pretty low in carbohydrates (16 grams per serving). I did expect it to be higher in fiber (only 0.5 grams)…can’t quite figure out why it is so low. It is also organic, vegan and gluten-free. Oh, did I mention it is delicious too?

The pasta, which comes in three varieties that I saw (Mung Bean, Soy Bean and Black Bean) is imported from China and the company doesn’t even have a website, making it even harder to find! So there are a few options.

1. You can request that your local store bring it in (typically the best way to get the product you want in stores) – the brand is called Explore Asian Authentic Cuisine.
2. I’ll get some for you! After all, Christmas is in a few days and I’m feeling pretty giving. I will send one winner (US only, sorry International friends!) one bag of each variety. Might as well try them all, right?

To Enter:

• Leave me a comment telling me which variety you are most eager to try
• Like me on Facebook (please!!) (leave an additional comment letting me know you did so or you are already a fan)
• Tweet about the giveaway, including @nutritionisteat (leave an additional comment letting me know you did so)
• Post a link to the giveaway on your blog if you have one (leave an additional comment letting me know you did so)

I’ll choose a winner Sunday December 26th – Happy Holidays and Good Luck!

Edited to Add: Congratulations Samantha! Send me your mailing address and I’ll get the pasta sent out for you!

This post is part of the Healthbuzz December series, Holiday Health, by Foodbuzz.

So far most of my Holiday Health articles have been about what to do if you Ate too Much, Simplifying for Stress Free Holidays, the Pre-Holiday Party Lunch, how to order Holiday Coffee Drinks and so on. I was originally going to write a post called Eating Healthy at Holiday Parties, but then I realized how hypocritical that would be. I’m not going to eat perfectly on Christmas.  I’m going to enjoy myself, and not worry about how many calories are in eggnog or if I eat a ridiculous amount of cheese.

So today I want to talk about what you should do.

You should always eat home made cookies. And really enjoy them. Without feeling guilty or bad about too many grams of sugars or carbs.

You should fill someones stocking.

You should take a day off from the computer – can’t we all use one day without it?

You should enjoy an indulgent and special meal with family. (Soprano style)

You should listen to Christmas music and watch Christmas movies.

You should try using heavy whipping cream in your coffee. At least once. (Cannoli cream is also amazing in coffee frothed with a little milk)

You should kiss under mistletoe.

You should skip your workout unless it is a family walk, snowshoeing or skiing.

You should spend some time by a tree that is decorated. (Palm trees with presents don’t count!)

You should be sure that you’ve had one cocktail by 3pm (or earlier, I won’t judge.)

You should be thankful for all you have.

You should think about those who are not as lucky.

And most of all, you should enjoy yourself. It’s what the Holidays are all about.

Merry Christmas!

What what you add to the should do Christmas list?